Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Masterson’s Lounge, nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , promotes itself as a chic “hipster” locale , but my most recent experience at this establishment became a nightmarish ordeal . While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I found behind its entrance was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.

The Condition of the Premises : Grimy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was clear that sanitation was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floorboards were filthy, and a nauseating aroma of decaying beverages and uncleaned toilets filled the entire pub. Smelling a mixture of excrement , putrefaction and a sickly smell. The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was overflowing with soiled cups and trash that looked like it had accumulated over weeks. The lavatory was in even a more revolting state —overflowing , with a broken handle and tiles smeared in what I can only assume was feces.

It wasn’t just a rare instance either. From reading other reviews and talking to people around , it seems that the level of hygiene (or lack thereof) at this bar is a persistent problem . Many visitors have reported spotting critters darting across the counter and evidence of rodent infestations in the storage spaces . For a business that offers beverages , these issues are entirely inappropriate and raise serious concerns about the integrity of anything they serve .

Management’s Behavior : Reports of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this establishment unforgettable—in the worst possible way —was the behavior of its proprietors . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a high-profile job as a stress-testing specialist at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.

During my time there, I noticed how tense several female guests seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving predatory behavior , with multiple women citing incidents of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as uncomfortably pushy and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unsafe environment for women who frequent Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a sweating predator than a amiable manager.

a fantastic read The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. This complicity adds a troubling layer to the already unhealthy environment at the establishment.